sixties, but we had warm clothes from our trip here from Chicago, which wasn't much better.

It has been sweater weather and perfect. The worst thing, the time change. Chicago is an hour behind and then we set the clocks back so we were two hours behind and actually, we just don't know who to believe right now. We are on "No Time"! ;-)

I love trying new foods away from home. We had brunch Sunday morning at the Grove Wood Cafe. Adjacent to it is a museum and gallery of artisan's works. There is SO much talent here. Anyway, I ordered a sandwich consisting of hummus, avocado, tomatoes and sprouts. The bread was made here and it had bits of dill in it and was slightly toasted. The Husband laughs at me, I whip out my phone and start tapping in ingredients and notes (back in the day I kept a notebook and pen in my purse just for these moments). Of course I can get this at home, it just seems different far away, I guess I want to recapture the feeling by making it in my own kitchen once the trip is a memory. It was really, really good! And we loved the gallery. I picked up two Christmas gifts. Yay!

We had a ball, laughing and talking. It is such a unique and amazing thing to meet a blogger (and in this case their spouse) and then get together several more times. There is a short history and still so much to know about one another. I have such an affinity with Mary, and Bob is just one of the most happiest, upbeat, and ever jovial person all around. You just can't help but smile when you re in his company.

After dinner Mary and Bob came back with us to our condo, our "home". Now this is what makes a house a home. Friends. I can't decorate, although I may buy fresh flowers. This is a "hotel" of sorts and all the units must be uniform and furnished by the management. Even though we "own" our space, that's just the way it is. Then again, we have maid service everyday! ;-) So I happened to have some apples and cheese in the fridge. We had some wine and a fire going and it was fun and happy and most of all, I felt truly AT HOME here in Asheville for the first time.

There is a small area of shops practically within walking distance of us and we hit them early this evening before dinner. Chico's, Coldwater Creek, J. Crew and my fave...Williams & Sonoma. I have to say my shopping has been quite light. I just don't have room in my bags. Almost everything I've picked up are gifts...some for Christmas, some not. I can't hide gifts from my kids...I give them away early at least until Dec. 1. :(

Tomorrow we are getting up with the sun to take a day trip to a town called Blowing Rock, just under 2 hours away. I'm so excited. Not sure what to expect but I've been to the website and I hear it's a great town to explore, shop and eat. I will tell you all about it the next time I come by. We get home very early Saturday morning and I have much to do before my date with the doctor Monday morning. Wish me luck. :)

I'm joining up with Stan and Jody at Rooted In Thyme for Simple And Sweet Fridays. Please go and have a look at their Etsy shop. She has the most beautiful handmade velvet and knit pumpkins. I ordered a few today and I definitely plan on using them straight through December 1!!!

Jane,I feel I'm along with you... I swear I could taste that Yummy sandwiche ... Anything with avocado I love.Cupertino is Apples home in California. I love Asheville, there is a pure gentle feel to the area. What beautiful blue skies! I've not had the pleasure of meeting a blogger in person yet, I would imagine with all the emails bloggers exchange with one another it would be like visiting an already friend. Bloggers and wine, love it!!! Hunter boots, cool... Pretty runner, agree love the birds but those Owls are creepy, they missed the mark on them.Glad you and hubby are having a fun time, you dear one after all your pain and surgery deserve FUN! FUN! FUN!Jane when I'm away from my cats I call them and talk on the phone's message. My cat sitter was here for one of my little one sided talks to Max and Simon, but what I found out warmed my heart and left me emotional. Pat told me that the boys were sitting listening and talking back to me... I always call them and talk, makes me feel better and they feel connected.Enjoy your drive and adventure tomorrow!XOXO,Vera

Sounds like you are having a wonderful time Jane!... and how great to meet up again with your blogger friends!... I can just imagine how beautiful it is there right now... and antiquing and eating... what could be more fun!... xoxo... Julie Marie

Jane, so glad you're getting the feel of 'home' in Asheville. Your picture of crisp blue skies and color contrast are exactly how fall is here in WV, and it's part of why Mr. P and I never have taken the plunge (so far) in going for a 2nd home - we love where we are. We still enjoy exploring, though, and it's always fun traveling through friends' eyes. Thanks for sharing, and have fun!

Good Morning! That blue sky is amazing, looks like a gorgeous place in the fall. I was surprised they had snow already; is Asheville in the mountains? (Kind of reminds me of Denver/snow in the morning, gone by the next day). That sandwich looks delightful, and so do the chips. Mmmmm....do you make your own hummus at home?I saw on Mary's blog that she was in Asheville and wondered if the four of you were meeting. Fun! Good pics of you all. Jane, your hair is looking beautiful! :)Hugs and prayers for a successful surgery and less pain ~ Beth

That sandwich looks so good Jane! Ate out a lot too last few weeks, we were in Vermont and just got home last week!The morning glory's bring back sweet memories of my mom, I'd love to have some to try for next summer if you have enough:) somethingniceandpretty(at)hotmail(dot)com

Blondie, You and your husband look good. That is so sweet that you are together and truly enjoying your trip. Keep that love alive girl. :):) You are a thoughtful mom, calling the girl about shoes. You know they love it. Blessings to all of you. xoxo,Susie

Looks like so much fun! The other day I drug my husband to Laurie Anna's Vintage Home. It's the best store ever in my book but so crowded you can hardly walk. Paul said the only thing they need is a bar and he'd stay there all day with me. :) That's a good idea if you ask me.

So neat that you got to meet blog friends. Why don't yall just get a condo here in Dallas. :)

Looks like so much fun! The other day I drug my husband to Laurie Anna's Vintage Home. It's the best store ever in my book but so crowded you can hardly walk. Paul said the only thing they need is a bar and he'd stay there all day with me. :) That's a good idea if you ask me.

So neat that you got to meet blog friends. Why don't yall just get a condo here in Dallas. :)

Look at the beautiful Carolina blue sky in your first pic! I'm glad you are enjoying your time in NC. Blowing Rock is one of my favorite towns. Hope you get some time to sit on a bench and watch the people pass by!

What fun to have a place like this. With the lake house and this condo, you two have the answer for true relaxation. I adore the Asheville area, and it goes without saying that I adore Mary. Glad you two sweet ladies get to spend time together. Have fun!

Whenever I read your posts I almost feel that I am on one end of your sofa and you on the other with our feet up and we are sharing the little everyday adventures we have and enjoy in life. You, the city girl and me, the 'chick from the sticks'. How fun would it be if it could be true. Thank you Jane for being such a dear friend for all these years.hugs from me...

Ashville is on my bucket list, and I know I'll get there sooner rather than later. Some friends of ours that have a place here in our community just recently sold their place in Charleston and are building a home in Ashville. Some people wonder why they would do that because it seems everyone would rather live in Charleston, but they said the bugs are huge there! Also, unless you're in a community with other 'northerners', it's hard to assimilate. I heard Ashville is lovely, but that there isn't much in the surrounding area. No matter, it's definitely a place I can see hanging out in for a while. So glad you're enjoying your time with The Husband and your friends! xxx

I'm so glad you're having such a great time! Love the photos and you look so pretty! Right now it's bedtime for me and yet I'm starving seeing all this great food. I really like your style of shopping...taking those little breaks now & again for refreshments! Fun times my friend.

A fall visit, how wonderful! Your postings are enjoyable, thanks for taking the time to share. I hope you enjoyed Blowing Rock and the drive there. Have you read any of Jan Karon's books? I love them. She used to reside there. I've visited there a couple of times as my brother has a vacation home in the area.

What a wonderful getaway you are having. Isn't it fun just to do something different occasionally? Hubby and I took a trip to Asheville several years ago and we loved it. We stayed at the Grove Park Inn and toured The Biltmore. I would love to go back sometime and fit in some shopping too!

Looks like you had a fabulous time!! I think your lunch looked very good. That's something I would try. I think Asheville is beautiful. My brother lived there for ten years. Have fun, and safe travels.

There's so much to comment on. The sandwich is one that I would like...Just went out and bought the ingredients except the sprouts. Bib lettuce will have to do.Sounds like you and your hubby are alike in things that interest you. Fun meeting up with a blogger friend. Last...those metal birds are so neat. I'm anxious to see them at your house.Hope your surgery goes well and that you are ready to do the Christmas decorating soon.Balisha

You're such a good mommy--texting your girls about shoes, Jane. Bless your sweet heart! <3 Hope you've been able to keep warm.

I knew you'd love it there this time of year. We used to visit Blowing Rock when we'd take our kids to Asheville when they were young. I'd love to go back since the Interstate has made the travel less than 8-9 hours--one way. With two young kids--it was kind of a nightmare--plus, my husband pointing at every peak and making us look at each one with him, when we just wanted to stop somewhere and "use the facilities" and EAT something! ha!

That sandwich looked SO good---SOUNDED so good--but my stomach is still doing "its thing"!

Hope the weather held up for you, and that you have a really safe trip back home. And I hope to feel up to "chatting with you" by e-mail very soon when I'm better--(Hopefully very soon!) and you've recovered from vacationing, dear. ;) Well, I'm thinking about me--maybe you don't have to recover from them--I hope not. :)

Asheville...now that's quite a change from Chicago and your lake place. We stopped there in the spring on our way to Maine to explore the galleries once again and try out new places to eat, always a priority!. Do you know that Asheville is said to have the best year round climate of any place in the US? That's a good reason to be there. BTW, take a look at Caravans, a cute clothing store opened by a gal who relocated to Asheville from Rockland,Maine.

Hello Jane, Thank you very much for visiting my blog and writing such kind words. Oh, I remember Blondie's Journal, but I too don't know how I lost your blog from the following list. I enjoyed reading about your good time in Asheville; I have never been there, but I hope to have the chance to travel in this part of the USA in the future :) Just out of curiosity, is this Mary from "Home is where the boat is" blog? This is exciting that you have such wonderful blogging friendships. Enjoy the rest of your time.

Oh Jane, it sounds like you are having a wonderful time in AShville. It is so beautiful there. I am so glad that you got to meet your blogging friend Mary and her husband. The food you had at dinnersounded wonderful.Have a safe trip home and good luck with the Dr on Monday.So glad that you are having a terrific time.Mary

Oh what a beautiful picture from Ashville! My husband and I haven't been there in years, but love it every time we go. You're lucky to have a condo there! I've been to Blowing Rock before and fell in love with it too. It's a smaller town with lots of cute shops and great little restaurants. I've only been once, but still remember it well.

Sounds like you are having so much fun, Janie. I haven't been there but it sounds lovely. It is also wonderful that Al likes to go shopping too, same with John even if we just walk up and down store blocks when we are on a trip. Enjoy the rest of your trip!....Christine

O, so glad to see you at my place. I am always happy to see you and read what all is going on in your life. I swear your dear sweetheart gets better looking with every photo I see of him. You must be very very good for that man. :)Glad you had fun with Mary and her hubs...

It looks like you and your hubby are really enjoying your new condo, Jane. What a lovely time of year to have been there. It's pretty incredible how quickly winter weather seems to be setting in on so many parts of the country.

How are your hands doing now? I was trying to do some catching up, and just read about an infection in one. I hope they are all better now -- you need both hands to wrestle the turkey in a couple of weeks!

JANE

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My blog is dedicated with much love to my late sister, Leslie, who lost her battle with cancer on November 27, 2007. I will always treasure precious memories of her in my heart. I miss her big smile, her laugh, great sense of humor and warmth. She was so creative and always encouraged the same from me. Leslie called me unique and I thank her for that, it made me move forward when I faltered. I think of her very, very often and miss her immensely. I hope I'm making her proud.

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Hi! My husband gave me the name Blondie a long time ago & it has stuck! I am a Midwestern girl but I now live in a quiet & beautiful neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. I adore my husband and four children, two boys, two girls.
I enjoy gardening, reading, cooking, antiquing, decorating and needlework crafts. I love decorating in a cottage sort of style but it's fun to mix it up a little!.
I currently work writing columns for two newspapers. I love creating essays about life in the city and country. And I've enjoyed blogging about the same for 9 years!
We have a year round home in the country on a huge lake in Southwest Michigan where I am always busy renovating, decorating, cooking, entertaining & relaxing! We also have a little place in the mountains of North Carolina. Life is good! I hope you will follow along on my adventures!

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